Community Development

Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for Columbia's citizens by providing economic, housing and social opportunities.

We are the fuel supporting the local economy by providing resources and opportunities for growth. Community Development administers federal, state and local funding and ensures compliance. Community Development programs increase homeownership and build neighborhood capacity while offering excellent customer service. Partnerships with banks, neighborhoods and organizations allow us to improve the quality of life and continue to make Columbia a world class city.

The City of Columbia has now re-opened its MAP program for those in need of repairs to their home! Now through September 30, 2017, The City will be taking applications for MAP, please note that this program is based upon availability of funds and we will adhere to the policy of “First Come, First Qualified, and First Served.” If your home is in need of repairs please respond immediately. Contact our office at (803) 545-3373 for an appointment and bring all the required supporting documents to your scheduled appointment.

Citizens can review the draft 2016 CAPER @ www.Columbiasc.net/communitydevelopment or pick-up @ the address listed below. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected], mailed to Community Development Department, 1225 Lady Street, Suite 102, Columbia, SC 29201 or faxed to (803) 255-8912. A summary of all citizen comments made within the 30-day Public Comment Period:August 25, 2017 – September 25, 2017, will be included in the 2016 CAPER submission to HUD on or before September 30, 2017. For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at (803) 545-3373.

Annual Action Plan

For each succeeding year, the City of Columbia is required to prepare a one-year Action Plan to notify citizens and HUD of the City's intended actions during that particular fiscal year. The Action Plan includes citizen and stakeholder input and is due annually to HUD by May 15th. The Action Plan is developed under HUD guidelines and serves as the application for the three formula grant programs.

Please click the flyer to register for the Home Buyer Workshop

The City of Columbia experienced a devastating flood during October 2015 resulting in millions of dollars in damages to our citizens’ homes, businesses and local infrastructure. Columbia is strong and resilient and is working hard to restore what was lost through its application for funding from various agencies to include the State of South Carolina, Federal Emergency Management Agency along with other grant programs dedicated toward disaster recovery.

Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $19.9 million to help the City of Columbia recover from the October 2015 flood. The Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program governs how these funds can be used. These funds will be managed by the City of Columbia’s Community Development Department.

HUD requires that the City of Columbia complete an Action Plan for CDBG-DR funds that will describe programs and best uses of funds to assist those impacted by the flood and help meet “unmet needs” to further assist the community in its recovery in the following areas: housing, economic development, infrastructure and acquisition.

In addition the previously HUD-approved Empowerment Zone area - comprised of contiguous Census Tracts 2, 5, 9-10, 13-16, 18, 20.02, 28, 106, and 109 - was established as a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) for the term of the Consolidated Plan to ensure continued revitalization and community development efforts. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Map